This form of surgery is a bit more invasive than a hysteroscopy. The laparoscope, however, is also known as Band-Aid surgery. As the nickname implies, it is still not too invasive. This technique was developed specifically to allow doctors to perform surgeries without causing as much trauma or damage to the body. It produces minimal scarring and much less discomfort than other types of surgery.

What It's Like

This surgery is done usually with general anesthesia. A small one- to two-inch incision is made near your umbilicus (belly button) and one or two more similar-sized incisions are made at various points on your abdomen, depending on what procedure is to be done. A camera or scope is inserted and your abdomen is inflated to allow your surgeons a better view. The images are projected onto a monitor, much like television. They can also use the other incisions to insert instruments and perform surgeries under these conditions.

The laparoscopic surgery can usually be done as an outpatient procedure as well. There are times when it will be necessary for you to stay overnight in some cases. Your team of experts should be able to give you a general idea of how long that will be, though obviously they cannot make any guarantees.

The pain you experience after this surgery can be intense the first few hours. You will probably receive IV narcotics or other pain medications during this time frame. After the initial pain period is over, many people are able to control their pain with more minor medications. You might even be able to get away with simply taking regular doses of over-the-counter medications to deal with pain. Before you leave the surgical center or hospital be sure to ask about how to deal with the pain after surgery.

You will need to take it easy for the first few days after surgery. Restrictions on driving and lifting can last up to two weeks depending on the surgery performed. Your doctor or nurse will provide you with a list of written discharge instructions. This will include a list of activities you should not do and for how long; information on diet restrictions; what signs of complications there may be; and what to do if you experience them. You may also need to make a follow-up appointment. Never hesitate to ask, or have your partner ask for you, if you have questions.

Why It's Used

For the purposes of the infertility evaluation, this surgery can help define and treat some conditions that may cause infertility. It can be used to assess and treat ovarian cysts and endometriosis. It can also be used to actually perform surgeries like the repair of your fallopian tubes, or simply to evaluate them more closely. It can be used to remove adhesions or fibroids. The laparoscope can also be used in the treatment of tubal or ectopic pregnancies. In some fertility clinics, the laparoscopic procedure is also used in the return or transfer of gametes or zygotes in some in vitro fertilization procedures.

Talk to your physician and the fertility team about the use of laparoscopic surgery. It may be a great option for you to give you a bird's-eye view of the inner workings of your body with minimal pain and time lost at work, or it may be that other options are open to you.